Changes to the Alabama Constitution

Background

Since the creation of Forever Wild Land Trust, the organization had purchased lands for recreational uses, nature preserves, additions to Wildlife Management Areas and state parks. The lands that were usually acquired ranged from coastal wetlands to mountain tops. Four categories could be used to describe the property. According to reports, those categories were nature preserves, state parks, recreational and WMA potential.[4]

Support

In an article by Robert J. Beadles Jr. in the Opelika-Auburn News, "Forever Wild has a long list of corporate and private partners and supporters. The program receives a broad-range support from conservation, outdoor recreation and business communities. Organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Nature Conservancy and others have partnered with Forever Wild to secure various public lands for current and future Alabamians and visitors to enjoy. I am impressed with the Trust’s commitment to fostering Alabama's environmental diversity and ongoing educational efforts of the Forever Wild programs. I hope you will join me in continuing to support the future of Alabama's Forever Wild initiatives."[6]

In a column published by Riley Boykin, former board member of Forever Wild and former commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, he stated, "Forever Wild increases public access for recreational opportunities all across Alabama, drives outdoor recreation tourism, and protects environmentally sensitive areas all with NO tax dollars. Orange or crimson, Republican or democrat, outdoorsman or environmentalist, Forever Wild is an incredible program for all current and future Alabamians. It's an easy choice: We need to 'VOTE YES' on Amendment 1 on November 6th to continue Forever Wild and Alabama's proud outdoor heritage."[7]

Opposition

On the grounds of "fiscal sanity," the group Not Forever Wild was against the measure. The group stated about the ballot language: "It would appear something more should be included on this ballot especially when another $300 million of OUR dollars are at stake. Nope, nothing missing. Miss-leading, lacking integrity and uprightness; this is all we are gonna get this time around. This is all our state representatives, big business, and Non-Government Organizations (NGO) would prefer we understand."[8]

In an article by Frank Dillman published in Tea Party 911, "Remember those proponents who want to continue to miss-use of OUR money will be quick to tell you that it is not tax revenue. They are correct. However, every nickel and dime is OUR money generated from the many gas and oil leases in the Gulf and believe it or not, on leased Forever Wild land. Leasing land for 94 years, permitting the owners to retain the mineral rights and to drill, only to have the lease lapse in 94 years (maybe the life expectancy of the wells?) for hunting and outdoor rights? Nothing permanent, or better yet “Forever” here."[9]